FRANCES WILSON

Frances has established a strong presence in the UK classical music world through her blog The Cross-Eyed Pianist (founded in 2010) and her many contacts with musicians through the popular Meet the Artist interview series (launched in 2012).

Really making a mark in the arts world

Thomas Hewitt Jones, composer

Highly active on social media, she enjoys a large online following (c14,000 across multiple platforms), and is a respected member of the UK classical piano scene. As an advanced amateur pianist and keen concert-goer herself, she is sympathetic to the needs of musicians, the processes involved in concert preparation, and audience engagement and retention.

What I offer

• Sound general knowledge of western classical music and a passion for live performance
• A strong and trusted reputation in the world of classical music in the UK in particular via my blog The Cross-Eyed Pianist
• A sound understanding of the needs of musicians, the processes involved in concert preparation and performance, and audience engagement and retention
• Over seven years experience in music PR with good relations with media and individual journalists
• Excellent organisational skills
• The ability to write lively copy and press releases, with strong attention to detail.
• The ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people including journalists and clients
• The ability to cope under pressure and happy to work on a variety of tasks within set deadlines

…..very grateful for all that YOU do for the industry; you are so supportive of both established professionals as well as younger artists starting out

Alisdair Hogarth, concert pianist

At the heart of Frances’ activities is a passionate love of music and the piano in particular. Through her writing, publicity work and social media presence, Frances seeks to support musicians and to encourage people of all ages to enjoy and engage with classical music.

Thank you for the enthusiasm you bring to music

Leon Bosch, double bassist & conductor

In addition to her blog, Frances is a regular writer for classical music site Interlude HK, and has contributed articles to Classical Music magazine, Pianist magazine, The Schubertian (the journal of the Schubert Institute UK), and writes programme notes for a number of leading UK concert venues. She has appeared on BBC Radio 3’s Music Matters programme to discuss the role of music criticism today and the effect of the internet on music journalism and writing. In 2019 she became Concerts Manager for Weymouth Lunchtime Chamber Concerts, a popular monthly recital series founded in 2002 by pianist Duncan Honeybourne.

Frances is co-founder/editor of ArtMuseLondon, an independent website featuring reviews and articles on art, music and culture.

Frances returned to the piano seriously after an absence of nearly 25 years and achieved Associate and Licentiate performance diplomas, both with Distinction, in her late 40s. She has studied privately with leading pianist-teachers Penelope Roskell and Graham Fitch, and participated in masterclasses and coaching sessions with Murray McLachlan, Stephen Savage, James Lisney, Charlotte Tomlinson and Alan Fraser.

A confident and fluent pianist with an authoritative interpretative standpoint

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